David Beckham moved a step nearer to a Major League Soccer title as the Los Angeles Galaxy overcame two floodlight failures and a stubborn Houston Dynamo defence to reach the MLS Cup final.

The Galaxy beat two-time MLS champions Houston 2-0 at the Home Depot Centre, a Beckham free-kick in the first half of extra-time setting up the goal which broke the deadlock in a game halted for more than 30 minutes during regular time as the area south of Los Angeles was twice plunged into darkness by a power outage.

The England midfielder sent in a 104th minute free-kick that found its way to veteran defender Greg Berhalter to fire home.Landon Donovan added a second from the penalty spot soon after and the Galaxy moved on to next weekend's MLS Cup final in Seattle.